Tips - Reduce Your Grocery Bill

If you've been to the grocery store lately, you've probably noticed prices have went up. Here's some tips that may save you money on your next visit.

-Choose store brand over name brand.

-You think bigger is better? Not always TRUE. About 25 percent of the time, smaller is actually a better deal! The only way you’ll know is to check unit price labels.

-Other ways to save:USE newspaper or online coupons, Make a list, and stick to it.Always use your store bonus card if your store has one.

As for the store’s weekly flyer, Consumer Reports says be aware that not everything you see in a flyer is actually on sale.

Check out Consumer Reports’ complete list of 13 ways to save at the supermarket: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/may-2009/food/supermarkets/13-ways-to-save/supermarkets-13-ways-to-save.htm.

Kari Schoondyke - She's In Heaven

I had received news earlier this week that she was improving. Then this past Tuesday, I was informed she had passed away in her Mom's arms. Kari was 7 months old and had serious heart problems. Yesterday, her Dad wrote this letter.

Hello: Jennifer, jeffery, Katie, my brother Steve and I have just returned from the hospital. Unfortunately, Kari has not returned with us. She passed away today at 12:46 pm in the arms of her mother. We were all with her and had a chance to hold her, talk to her, and kiss her sweet little soft head. We decided to let her go and let God decide. She had fought so hard and for so long we felt as though we owed this to her. Although we will miss her each and everyday and think of her constantly, we will never forget what she has meant to so many. Her short life touched the hearts of literally thousands of people both here and around the country. We spoke of everyone often and told her how many people were fighting for her through prayer. Now, she is truly an angel-no suprise, right?. From this point forward we feel Kari will watch over us, smile repeatedly, and comfort us in our incomprehensible sadness and complete despair. We take comfort that she is finally no longer stuggling and is with the Lord. I am sure He has welcomed her with open arms and taken away her struggles, pain, and told her how much she was loved. I held her before her mother, told her how much I loved her, stroked her head and read Matthew 19:13-14."......Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." I told her were were not abandoning her but we we were no longer going to hinder her journey to the Lord by keeping her here because we would miss her so deeply. She did not hurt or struggle- she appeared peaceful. Her quiet passing told us that she was ready and that she had been waitingfor us to let her go. If she would have passed suddenly at another time we would have missed the opportunity to adequately say goodbye. We spent time with her and said what we needed to say- once again, God and Kari were waiting patiently for us. It was a true blessing and gift that our entire family will cherish until we meet her again. We want to say thank you to everyone for their constant support and prayers throughout this whole time. It made such a difference in each of our lives, I cannot put this into> words- mostly Kari's. Jennifer, the kids, amd I will probably start home tomorrow sometime. we will take the trip slow and not rush. Her funeral service will be this Sunday (visitation 2-5pm, funeral services immediately following) at Tri Cities Baptist Church in Gray from 2-5pm - so fitting, Easter Sunday! God Bless and thank you to everyone. We are forever in your debt. Sincerely, Jeff

Share your condolences here http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/karischoondyke/guestbook

Thank The Lord For Firefighters

Last night, my wife and I were watching the news and they were covering a fire in Erwin. Oh my goodness....did you see it? The fire was huge! And it destroyed the Old Town Hall in downtown Erwin. Fortunately, nobody was hurt. A big thank you to the firefighters for helping contain the fire and preventing it from doing more damage.

J4 AND WCQR

Today, I did part of my show at Celebration Church for a reception party in honor of J4. Here's a couple of pictures from the event. I want to thank professional photographer Earl Neikirk for the pics...Great Job Earl!

Kari Update - Prayer Works!

I couldn't wait to share this with you. Here's the latest update from Kari's Dad.

Hello: It is 1:16 pm and we just spoke with Kari's surgeon. He repositioned the left main coronary artery and her heart function returned completely to normal. Her blood pressure immeidately out of the OR is 100-110mmHg systolic (compare that to 50-60mmHg the last time. She is heading to the ICU now and is even off the ECMO (bypass machine)! She still has her chest open as a precaution, but is doing better. Removal of the ECMO is a large step forward- this can be associated with significant bleeding and this is part of the reason her chest was left open just in case she starts to bleed. This will allow easier access to remove any blood collections in the chest that may occur. Dr. Spray plans to close the chest tomorrow if she does not have another arrest. For now, we wait and thank God for his mercy. It appears she has been allowed some rest, that is, before she begins her next climb. I think God has given us a miracle for all of us to see! Prayer matters, prayer works, and prayer is powerful. Please keep praying for Kari- God appears to be listening. Please continue to help us get Kari Home. She is definately doing her part.

Cautiously optimistic and thanking God,
Jeff

Please Pray For Kari

Yesterday afternoon, I received a phone call from a lady who said she had an urgent prayer request. She also emailed me a copy of the prayer request to share with you. Please read below. I ask that you lift this little 7 month old girl and her family up in prayer.

(Pic - Kari with her brother and sister)

Hey Everyone,
Kari's surgery was delayed this morning. We had hoped they could use our blood for her surgery, but a mixup with the Red Cross didn't make this possible for another day or so (they "spun" the blood at the Red Cross, but the hospital needed "whole blood"). We opted to go forward with the surgery instead of waiting for the blood issue to be resolved, so she went in around 1:15. The surgery lasted over 3 hours.
When Dr. Spray was done he was satisfied with the outcome. He closed the sternum, but quickly opened it back up because Kari's heart began to swell. Her heart will remain open tonight and they will try to close it in the morning. The cardiologist (haven't talked to the surgeon yet) says this is not too unusual and is hopeful that all will go well in the morning. Of course Jeff and I are very scared. Please continue to pray for her.
Will update you as I know more.
Jennifer

And The Winner Is "J4"

This morning on the CBS Early show, J4 was announced as the winner of the Singing Family Faceoff. This family of WCQR listeners won a CBS recording contract. Congratulations J4!



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